UPDATE: Gympie High 'shocked' by Jay Jay's death

UPDATE: THE outpouring of grief over the death of Gympie teen Jay Jay Heidemann and his mother Jane Towers has continued, with his principal remembering the "enthusiastic and friendly" youth.

Gympie State High School principal Anthony Lanskey said today Jay Jay's death has left a hole in the community.

"The Gympie State High School community is deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one of our students," Mr Lanskey said.

"The student was an enthusiastic and friendly young child who will be greatly missed by all their friends and teachers.

Jay Jay Heidemann, Jane Towers, and Khloe Heidemann.Contributed

"Our thoughts and sincere sympathies go out to the family, caregivers, friends and loved ones during this difficult time."

Jay Jay and Ms Towers were killed in a tragic accident while on holiday on the New South Wales south coast when their car collided with a semi-trailer on the Princes Hwy.

Jay Jay's sister Khloe was also critically injured, and is reported to be in an induced coma at Sydney Childrens Hospital.

Students gathered yesterday to say goodbye to their friend, and Mr Lanskey said counselling will be available for students and staff.

"Support will be provided to students and staff, and guidance counsellors will remain at the school to provide support in any way they can and for as long as it is needed once school resumes," he said.

APRIL 6: FRIENDS have gathered to say goodbye to a "great" school mate and his family following a tragic accident in New South Wales this week which killed two and left another clinging to life.

Gympie woman Jane Towers and her children Jay Jay and Khloe Heidemann, were on holiday and travelling on the Princes Hwy on the South Coast when their car collided with a semi-trailer about midday on Tuesday.

Ms Towers and Jay Jay were killed in the accident, while Khloe was airlifted to Sydney Childrens Hospital in a critical condition where she remains in a coma.

Jack Mill was one of more than 30 students who gathered at Nelson Reserve's sound shell today to say farewell.

At 11.11am, the group released balloons and made a wish for their friend.

Fighting back tears as he spoke, Jack remembered Jay Jay as a "great friend" who loved footy and riding his scooter, and was always fun to hang around with.